Notice of Construction:
Outfall Modification Work
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) completed major maintenance on existing shoreline erosion control structures in the park in 2023. This work was completed to provide long-term erosion protection and reduce public safety risks.
Additional minor works will be undertaken in spring 2024 to modify a small section of the shoreline erosion control structure. This work will involve the adjustment of select stones around the outfall structure to help ensure efficient flows.
Construction is scheduled to commence mid-April 2024 and is anticipated to be complete by early summer. Final site restoration will follow as weather conditions allow. For more details, see Construction Information.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), in partnership with the City of Toronto, is undertaking maintenance works on existing shoreline erosion control structures along Lake Ontario within Prince of Wales Park. This work will protect the park against the hazards of shoreline erosion and address public safety concerns.
Project Location
The project area is located in Prince of Wales Park near the intersection of Lake Shore Boulevard West and Islington Avenue in the City of Toronto. The area of concern includes three existing erosion control structures that are located along the north shore of Lake Ontario.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT
Project Background
The existing erosion control structures in Prince of Wales Park were built in the 1970s and have deteriorated over time due to continuous wave activity. Recent severe weather events have exacerbated this damage, including the 2017 and 2019 Lake Ontario high water levels and the April 14-15, 2018 windstorm event. This damage has caused the structures to fail and led to erosion along the park shoreline which presents a public safety hazard. The objective of the work is to repair the existing erosion control structures to protect against the hazards of shoreline erosion and reduce the risk to public safety.
Armourstone Groyne
An armourstone groyne is located at the southern tip of the park and extends into the lake. Stone material has been displaced along the length of the groyne, reducing its effectiveness and leading to scouring along the shoreline. Continued deterioration of the groyne places the park shoreline at risk and presents a public safety hazard.
Concrete/Rubble Beach
The beach has experienced displacement of material in addition to scouring and undercutting along the backshore. Caution fencing is currently required to stop park users from accessing sections of the shoreline along the beach due to existing safety hazards.
Armourstone Revetment
The armourstone revetment has experienced displacement of armourstone material and backshore scouring throughout its length, with larger scours at the eastern limit where the structure approaches neighbouring properties. Continued deterioration of the structure may result in additional backshore erosion, placing park users and City of Toronto infrastructure at risk.
TRCA retained GHD Limited to develop detailed designs for repair of the existing erosion control structures in order to address ongoing erosion and safety hazards. Repair works will include dismantling the existing structures and building a new double-layer armourstone revetment to provide long-term shoreline protection.
Scope of Work
Major Maintenance Work
The scope of work includes the following components:
- Site preparation, including installation of safety fencing, access roads, staging and stockpiling areas, tree protection, and Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) measures
- Repair of the structures using both new and reusable stone material
- Installation of fish habitat features below the water
- Preliminary site restoration, including reseeding of grass areas
Outfall Modifications
The scope of work includes the following components:
- Site preparation, including installation of safety fencing, access roads, staging and stockpiling areas, tree protection, and Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) measures
- Adjustment of select stones around the outfall structure to help ensure efficient flows
- Final site restoration, including trail repairs, reseeding, and tree plantings
Construction Information
Outfall modification works are scheduled to start mid-April and are expected to be complete by early summer 2024.
To ensure public safety, the work area including a small section of trail, will be closed for the duration of the project. Access to park amenities, including the playground, rink/tennis court, wading pool, and parking lot will remain available for public use. Construction vehicles will access the site at the base of Second Street and park users are asked to use extra caution in this area.
Please respect all posted construction signage, exercise caution, and stay clear of work area and equipment.
Your cooperation and patience with this undertaking is appreciated.
Public Notices
Major Maintenance Work
Notice of Construction
Signs with detailed construction information were posted on-site at applicable park entrances and affected trail routes. Letters were also circulated to members of the local community. The Notice of Construction is available for viewing below:
Outfall Modifications
Notice of Construction
Signs with detailed construction information have been posted on-site at applicable park entrances and affected trail routes. The Notice of Construction is available for viewing below:
Progress Updates
April 23, 2024: The site set up for the outfall modification works has begun, including the installation of safety fencing and the establishment of a construction access route.
November 23, 2023: Following grass establishment throughout the site, construction fencing has been removed and the park is fully open to the public. TRCA will continue to monitor grass conditions in Spring 2024 to determine if any reseeding is needed.
August 23, 2023: Shoreline work is complete and the construction crew has demobilized. Reseeding has started and the site will remain fenced until the final site restoration and reseeding is completed.
June 20, 2023: Work continues on capstone placement along the shoreline.
May 12, 2023: In-water works have been completed and work has begun on placement of the capstone.
March 14, 2023: Construction of the western portion of the shoreline has been completed, and an access road has been built to begin construction at the eastern limit of the park. The shoreline will be constructed back toward the completed section to join in the middle.
February 16, 2023: The slope portion of the groyne has been completed and work is proceeding on the revetment.
November 18, 2022: Site setup is complete and reconstruction of the shoreline has commenced.
October 20, 2022: TRCA construction crews have mobilized and site setup has begun, including the trail closures, establishment of perimeter fencing, staging and stockpiling areas, tree protection zones, and erosion and sediment control measures. The work area and trails within it have been closed to ensure public safety.
Contact Us
For more information regarding this project, please contact:
Rebecca Salvatore, Senior Project Manager
Erosion Risk Management
Restoration & Infrastructure Division
rebecca.salvatore@trca.ca
416-560-1823